February 6th, 2025
On Saturday, January 26th, a massive fire erupted in Ogden, Utah, consuming a five-story apartment complex under construction near DaVinci Elementary School on 22nd Street. Flames instantly spread from a third-floor window, destroying the entire structure within minutes. The fire damaged several nearby buildings, including DaVinci Elementary and the IRS structures on block west. The high temperature and flying debris destroyed the windows at the elementary school. Fierce winds took embers up to two blocks away, igniting spot fires. A surveillance camera at DaVinci Elementary recorded the fire’s rapid spread. The quick response of rescuers prevented further damage.
Police confirmed someone intentionally set the apartment under construction on fire, prompting the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect who now faces felony charges. The Ogden Fire Chief emphasized how kiln-dried lumber inside the structure enhanced the fire’s spread. Investigators ruled out a generator as the cause but will continue to look at other possible ignition causes. Ogden police and ATF agents continue to be actively involved in the investigation, though they have found no proof of added suspects or malicious intent beyond the arrested juvenile. Authorities are now searching for ways to develop precautions at construction sites to avoid future incidents.
We can conduct a Builder’s Risk Property Loss Prevention Survey for apartment or business construction projects. Property loss prevention hazards occur during construction, making early implementation of manual or automatic protection and detection systems critical. However, automatic sprinkler protection is typically not activated until the project nears completion, creating vulnerabilities. This assessment helps identify risks and determine appropriate mitigation strategies to enhance site protection. Please contact us for more information.
